Engage-Provoke-Inspire-Challenge

It has been my experience that breakthrough can be a process, not always a single event. This is true of this season I am in now. Just on 6 years ago my wife Sue Haakonsen, and daughters Maleteka Joy and Lineo Nicole moved to Cape Town. Sue and I had moved on from 23 years ‘officially’ […]

Following the recent shocking news of yet another mass shooting in the USA, a completely unrelated post on a friend’s Facebook page today regarding the wearing of masks and my foray into work as a tour guide over the past year, I felt compelled to write this blog. Once again varying media reports following up […]

Yesterday I was reflecting on an incident that happened some years ago in the small Mountain Kingdom of Lesotho when I was working there as a missionary! This reminder crossed my mind as I was meditating on the idea of God’s grace (Love) compared to the Old […]

It has been a very long time since I blogged! I’ve missed writing! I normally have much to say! It’s time! A year ago after a testing 4 year season of unemployment, I became a qualified tour guide with the South African Tourist department, registered to guide in the Western Cape Province. The classes, required […]

Can I be a citizen of heaven and still be patriotic? I found myself challenged by this question by a friend (Rob) when I posted this exquisite and heavily meaningful picture on Facebook recently. The sculpture is crafted by French artist Frances Bruno Catalano and depicts a man who has had to sadly leave his home, loved ones […]

If someone can’t see the forest for the trees, they get so caught up in small details that they fail to understand the bigger picture. -Definition courtesy of “Mr Google”. I thought I’d ‘play’with this idiom as a recent launch of a new Facebook Page I created, had me thinking Its so true that in this […]

Hi…my name is Ray…..and I am a self-confessed Facebook-aholic! There…its out..in the open…..ready for ridicule and the abundance of negativity around the subject! However I’m okay with this as my Facebook activities, spanning nearly 8 years has been predominantly intentional and with a purpose. Granted in the process I ‘like’, share and get involved in […]

In recent times I’ve had the privilege of playing games of Snakes and Ladders with 2 of my 3 grandsons. The 3rd grandson Liam, lives in Canada and is only 19 months old, so together with his brother to come (due next month) will have to wait their turn. My first “Championship” was with my oldest grandie Justin, who lives 1100 kms […]

As I begin writing I apologise to my non-rugby-following brethren for my emphasis on the game during this blog, but I believe because of its significance, it will pique your interest. Two days ago was the 20th Anniversary of the infamous victory by the Springbok rugby team over arch rivals and pre-tournament favourites New Zealand […]

I begin this blog, admitting I am far from being a Biblical scholar. However I do try to use what I read in the Bible to contemplate how it relates to my life. So this writing is not an exposition but an attempt at ‘making it real’ for me. 2 descriptions of “wilderness” experiences in the Bible […]

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Testimonials

I have just finished reading an autographed copy of your book “An Arrested Heart” (note that this is the 2nd book i have read cover to cover in my 39 yrs on earth). What a buy. I have not been able to put the book down.You captured my heart, mind, thoughts and being in your book and it has opended my eyes to many aspects of my life, business, family and where I have fallen short! - Wayne Bezuidenhout

thanx for a great book. all i can say is praise God:) - Sharon Trew

My Dad and I chatted about the first part of the book on the phone and agree that it was not just your own personal story you were telling Ray, it was also partly the story of many others of us who lived through those surreal Rhodesian airforce days and you have told it magnificently, honestly and accurately on behalf of all of us. - Ged

Ray, I loved your book, it was so inspiring. It reenforces the act of giving glory to God through trusting in Him alone, even when things seem impossible. Thanks Ray, for sharing your life with all of us. Your experiences prove God's faithfullness. May he continue to bless you and the work you and Sue do!! - Marlene

Thanks for sharing your life through the book, enjoyed reading it - good job! - Rick Dickson

Really, really enjoyed your book Ray. I see how our faithful God has used your lives for His glory. He needed very special people to nurture His precious ones in Lesotho and the Haakonsen family were His first choice - Julie

Ray - what an amazing book. So inspiring and motivational. Once I started it I couldn't put it down. So nice to read about the old days in Zim. You and Sue are extraordinary people and a wonderful example. - Annette

Excellent book Ray and thanks for the insight into your life... looks like God showed you the way. - Gordon

Amazing account of a transformed life. - Wayne

I have just completed your book... I really was hooked from start to finish. - Gary

Ray, I have loved reading your book. It is such a testimony of how God can and does use ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary feats. Thank you for your honesty and forthrightness. Your dedication to serve Him and do His will, no matter the cost is an inspiration. - Kev Wood

Profound quotes

“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done them better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood;who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes short again and again,because there is no effort without error and shortcoming; but who does actually strive to do the deeds; who knows great enthusiasms,the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who at the best knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who neither know victory nor defeat”